Vietnam Discovery with Siem Reap – Angkor Wat- 17days

Begin your full-day private tour of Hanoi with an early pickup from your hotel. Start your journey by hopping into a cyclo, guided by your friendly and knowledgeable guide, to explore the vibrant heart of the city. As you make your way through the bustling streets, observe locals engaging in tai chi, playing badminton, and other popular activities, gaining insights into their daily routines and morning habits.

Navigate through Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, renowned for its 36 ancient streets and artisan guilds dating back to the 13th century. Your journey will lead you to St Joseph’s Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon), which has remained largely unchanged since its construction in 1886.

Pause for a classic Vietnamese breakfast of pho bo (beef noodle soup) and engage in conversation with the locals over a cup of delicious coffee. Immerse yourself in Hanoi's culture as your guide helps you practice ordering ca phe nong (hot black coffee, usually with sugar) or ca phe sua nong (hot coffee with sweetened condensed milk).

After breakfast, continue your sightseeing in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle with a visit to Ba Dinh Square. Here, your guide will highlight significant buildings such as the President’s Palace and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Delve into the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and explore the significance of Buddhism in Hanoi at the historical One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam's most iconic temples, originally built in 1049.

Before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Ngon restaurant, appreciate Vietnamese architecture at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and view the Long Bien Bridge, constructed during the French occupation.

In the afternoon, learn about the customs of over 50 ethnic minorities in Vietnam at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Then, enjoy the scenic surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake), including a visit to Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain) on a small islet in the lake.

Conclude your day with a water puppet show, a captivating performance that explores Vietnam’s mythology and traditions.

After the show, your guide will accompany you to a Vietnamese dinner and provide an introduction to the Sapa region. Following dinner, you will be transferred to the train station to board a sleeper train to Sapa via the town of Lao Cai (approximately 8 hours). Note that the train journey is unaccompanied, but your driver will meet you upon arrival in Lao Cai.

Overnight trains offer a unique way to travel long distances and experience local life. Sleeper trains typically feature four-berth compartments (occasionally six-berth, depending on seasonal variations) with bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow, and blanket are provided, though some travelers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. You will share these basic quarters with local people. Most trains include a dining carriage offering simple food, but many travelers choose to stock up on fresh bread, cheese, and fruit before departure.

Upon your early morning arrival in Lao Cai, your minibus and guide will be there to greet you and take you to Sapa, a serene mountain town inhabited by various ethnic minority hill tribes. Enjoy breathtaking views of towering mountains adorned with rice terraces and shrouded in morning mist. You will have the morning free to relax and explore the charming hillside town of Sapa.

In the afternoon, embark on a moderate 1-mile (2-km) trek with your knowledgeable guide to the hill tribe village of Cat Cat, home to the Hmong people. The Hmong migrated south from China around 300 years ago and are easily identified by their dark-blue or black attire, dyed with homemade indigo plant dye. Hmong women wear long aprons with embroidered waistcoats and wrap their hair in turban-like hats, while the men don black skullcaps. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the village life and stunning landscapes.

In the late afternoon, you will return to Sapa, where you will spend the night in a hotel and have free time to enjoy the evening as you wish.

After breakfast, embark on a six-hour guided trek along footpaths that weave through breathtaking scenes of vibrant green rice paddy terraces carved into the steep mountainsides. Traverse several Red Zao and Tay villages where you can interact with the welcoming locals and observe village life, complete with water buffalo, chickens, pigs, and other animals. Savor a picnic lunch at a scenic rest stop along the route before reaching Ta Van Village.

In Ta Van, meet the family who will host you in their simple, traditional home. Relish an authentic home-cooked dinner with the family and immerse yourself in their way of life as you spend the night in their home.

A day pack is recommended for the trek and the overnight stay at the homestay, while your main luggage can be left at your hotel in Sapa.

After bidding farewell to your host family, embark on a picturesque 2- to 3-hour walk to Giang Ta Chai Village, where your vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Sapa, a journey of about 30 minutes. Once back in Sapa, you will have the afternoon free to explore the town at your leisure before transferring to the train station to catch the overnight train to Hanoi.

Upon your early morning arrival at Hanoi train station (around 5am), enjoy all that vibrant Hanoi has to offer, starting with a breakfast of Pho. Then, depart from the capital for Halong Bay, an approximate four-hour drive in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Arriving at Halong Bay around midday, you’ll be welcomed by a tour representative and transferred to a traditional junk boat.

Settle in with a complimentary welcome drink as your cruise around the majestic Halong Bay begins. Meet the expert crew and get acquainted with your small group while you enjoy a delicious seafood lunch, including tea and coffee. After lunch, relax and soak up the sun on the top deck, a perfect spot for photographing the bay’s natural wonders, as your captain navigates to a secluded area ideal for swimming in the clear waters.

You'll have the opportunity to try kayaking and explore some of the ancient limestone caves dotting the bay. Glide along the most secluded lagoons and admire the surrounding limestone karsts amid unforgettable scenery accessible only by kayak. The modern kayaks are lightweight and easy to maneuver, and all participants will be issued water buoyancy vests. The junk boat will be nearby at all times, serving as a back-up vessel for those who need it.

After exploring, return to the boat to relax on the deck and perhaps enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar. In the evening, your cook will prepare a splendid meal featuring fresh seafood dishes and traditional Vietnamese fare as your crew anchors in the heart of the bay. Afterwards, you’ll have the chance to try night fishing from the boat.

Awake to the serene beauty of the bay, with time for an early morning swim before breakfast. Next, visit the Cave of Surprises, the largest cave in Halong Bay, where a guided tour will reveal magnificent stalagmites and stalactites along the illuminated paths.

Begin your cruise back to the main harbor. Upon arrival, transfer to your awaiting vehicle for the four-hour drive back to Hanoi.

This morning, we fly to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. After checking into our hotel, we start with a visit to the vibrant and bustling Dong Ba market, an ideal place to immerse yourself in everyday Vietnamese life. Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the market as your guide introduces your small group to traditional foods and local vendors who sell produce and other ingredients.

After sampling enough Vietnamese delights to satisfy your appetite, we will head to the Hue Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Vietnam’s former capital. Within the towering stone walls that stretch for 6 miles (10 km) and stand 6 feet (2 meters) thick, explore the vast palace complex of the Imperial City with your guide. Discover decorative pagodas and temples among hundreds of ornate royal tombs where Hue’s Nguyen Emperors ruled until the early 20th century.

Marvel at the ruins overgrown with foliage inside the Forbidden Purple City, located in the center of the expansive compound. Severely damaged during the Vietnam War, this former royal residence was once accessible only to the emperor, his royal concubines, and eunuch servants who posed no threat.

Once you’ve explored the best sites of The Citadel, stop for a small-group lunch at a local nunnery for a traditional meal. Enjoy the opportunity to chat with the nuns and learn about Buddhism as you gain insight into their daily lives. After lunch, take a short minibus ride through Hue’s picturesque surroundings, passing rice paddies and traditional towns on your way to a village specializing in incense production. Learn about this ancient craft before continuing to visit an impressive royal tomb.

Next, visit the sprawling 17th-century temple complex of Bao Quoc Pagoda, perched on a hill overlooking the Perfume River. Upon entering the triple-gated hall, view the seven-tiered pagoda before walking to the Tiger Arena. Here, duels between elephants and tigers were arranged for the emperor’s entertainment until 1904.

Complete your day tour with a relaxing afternoon cruise along the enchanting Perfume River, taking in the natural splendor of the area as you drift along. Afterward, your guide will transfer you back to your hotel in Hue’s city center, where you can spend your evening at leisure.

After breakfast, travel south by minibus on a four-hour journey towards Hoi An. Traverse coastal rice paddies before crossing the scenic Hai Van Pass, a 14-mile (21-km) road winding through majestic mountains alongside the glistening South China Sea. Arrive at Hoi An after a brief stop at China Beach and settle into your hotel.

Following lunch (at your own expense), join a guided walking tour of the Old Town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that largely survived successive wars. Accompany your guide through quaint, pedestrian-only streets and admire the architectural splendor of the buildings while learning about their historical and cultural importance.

Pass by numerous Chinese assembly halls, marveling at the grand main altar of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation and the memorial of the Hainan Chinese Congregation – honoring 107 merchants from Hainan Island mistakenly killed during Emperor Tu Duc's reign, presumed to be pirates. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 1590s by the town’s Japanese residents to connect with the Chinese community across the stream.

Upon concluding the walking tour, your guide will escort you to a family-operated restaurant for a small-group cooking class. Unveil the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine as a skilled chef introduces the delightful dishes you will prepare. Begin by exploring the local market to gather fresh ingredients essential for your culinary creations. Learn how to select the finest produce and uncover new flavors before returning to the restaurant for hands-on cooking.

As you cook, discover expert techniques for crafting renowned Vietnamese dishes and receive recipes that are sure to impress your loved ones back home. Conclude the day by enjoying a meal with newfound friends, savoring the delicious dishes you've prepared together.

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning to explore the town of Hoi An, renowned for its lantern-lit streets, lively markets, skilled tailors, and artisan shops. Following lunch (at your own expense), embark on a unique boat and bike tour with your small group.

Pedal through Hoi An’s back streets on your bicycle to reach the countryside beyond the city. Follow your guide through a picturesque landscape filled with emerald-green rice paddies and meandering waterways. Stop in several local villages to chat with residents and learn about the lifestyle and culture of this region of Vietnam.

Arrive at the banks of the Thu Bon River for a boat cruise, gaining a different perspective of rural Vietnamese life from the waterway. Enjoy the beautiful views of the region as you cruise to a small island in the river for a delightful barbecue feast. Savor local specialties while watching a breathtaking sunset over the river, with fishing boats gently bobbing in the water.

Afterward, return to the boat and continue cruising along the river as the last rays of sunlight fade behind the rice paddies. As you approach the dock, admire the twinkling lights of Hoi An before weaving through the bustling waterfront crowds back into town, where you spent the previous night.

This morning, we bid farewell to Vietnam and take a short flight across the border to Siem Reap, Cambodia. After completing customs and immigration formalities, we meet our local guide and drive a short distance to town, where we check in and refresh before starting our afternoon adventure.

Board a private remork (tuk-tuk) for a 15-minute ride to the South Gate and walk along the ancient city wall with your guide, stopping to take photos of the impressive demons lining the causeway. Spend about an hour exploring the lost temple of Prasat Chrung before heading to the 12th-century Bayon Temple, which is surrounded by 51 stone towers, each adorned with four serene faces of a smiling bodhisattva.

Your knowledgeable guide then takes you to the Terrace of the Elephants, the Royal Palace, and the Terrace of the Leper King, where you can spend up to two hours. Listen to captivating stories about the Khmer kings who once ruled the ancient city.

After your private tour, enjoy your evening at your leisure. If you're feeling social, take a dip in the outdoor pool, which hosts a happy hour. Alternatively, retreat to your air-conditioned room and enjoy dinner and drinks from the room service menu.

Rise early and leave your hotel about 30 minutes before sunrise, traveling by remork to the jungle-enshrouded temple of Ta Prohm. This UNESCO-listed temple complex is one of the most popular at Angkor, having been left in the same state as when it was discovered in the 19th century.

Return to your hotel for breakfast, then head to the world-famous Angkor Wat, another UNESCO World Heritage site and the best-preserved temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Your private tour of this stunning 12th-century structure lasts a few hours. Explore numerous surviving stone temples, which were once surrounded by wooden palaces, public buildings, and houses that have since vanished.

After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to the 10th-century temple of Banteay Srei, located 19 miles (32 km) from Siem Reap. This small, UNESCO-listed temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is known as the ‘Citadel of Women’ for its intricate sandstone carvings, considered a crown jewel of Angkor art.

After your 1.5-hour private tour, take some time to explore on your own and enjoy a provided lunch. As you head back to Siem Reap, you might even catch the sunset descending behind the prongs of Pre Rup.

After breakfast, take a 30-minute morning drive by remork to the outskirts of Siem Reap for a 15-minute ox-cart ride through the countryside. Then, continue by air-conditioned vehicle to Cambodia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap. This lake, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, feeds the Mekong River during the dry season and expands during the monsoons.

Board a local boat at the riverbank for a 30-minute ride to Kompong Phluk, the largest floating village on the lake, where you’ll spend the rest of the morning. Here, observe the fascinating daily activities of the Cambodian villagers who live along the shore, gaining insight into how their lives are influenced by the water’s rhythms.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the rest of your day is free to spend as you wish.

This morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant hub of modern Vietnam. Begin with a private-group walking tour through the back streets of Chinatown, led by your guide.

First, visit Thien Hau Temple, built in the early 19th century and dedicated to the goddess of seafarers. Then, explore the bustling markets of Chinatown, including Cholon Market and Binh Tay Market, where street vendors offer everything from soup to sophisticated electronics. Take a break at a local café and enjoy a delicious cup of Vietnamese coffee while observing the fast-paced urban life in Vietnam's largest city.

After exploring the markets, enjoy a bowl of traditional Vietnamese pho (noodle soup) for lunch before embarking on a sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City's iconic buildings. Start with a visit to the War Remnants Museum to learn about the impact of the Vietnam War, and view displays of old military machinery, including an F5A fighter jet and a UH1-Huey helicopter.

Next, take a walking tour to the Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace and the site of South Vietnam's surrender in 1975. Continue to Notre Dame Cathedral, the General Post Office, and the Saigon Opera House, all stunning examples of French colonial architecture.

The next two days are dedicated to our Mekong Delta tour. The Mekong River, with its expansive and fertile delta, is a vital part of the southern economy, producing one of Vietnam's most crucial exports—rice. At around 7:30 am, a minibus will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Cai Be. From there, you'll board a boat and embark on your Mekong Delta tour with a small group of 10-20 people. In Cai Be, you'll sail past vibrant floating markets where vendors sell their goods from boats packed with produce, showcasing their items on long poles. You'll also navigate through canals inhabited by the people of the Mekong Delta. As your tour continues, you'll quickly see why the southern locals are famous for their friendliness, smiling and waving from their homes as you pass by.

While navigating the intricate network of canals, you'll visit Vinh Long Island, one of the many islands on the Mekong. In the afternoon, you'll sail to Can Tho, arriving just in time for sunset. In case of unforeseen circumstances, such as low water levels, this part of the Mekong Delta tour will be conducted by minibus.

The boat will then take you to a simple but charming hotel in Can Tho on the banks of the Mekong, where you can relax in the evening with a cool drink and watch the delta sunset.

Today, you’ll depart from your hotel at 7:30 am sharp. A local boat will take you to the floating market of Cai Rang, the largest, most important, and probably the liveliest floating market in the Mekong Delta. To get close to the action, you'll transfer to a bamboo rowboat, allowing you to sail amidst the bustling boats selling their goods. You won't need to row yourself, so you'll have plenty of time to negotiate and purchase items, like a pineapple for 50 cents.

By the end of our Mekong Delta tour, you'll have a solid impression of life on this vital river. Eventually, you'll board a comfortable air-conditioned coach back to Ho Chi Minh City. After a quick stop at Can Tho market, you’ll arrive back in Ho Chi Minh City between 3 pm and 5 pm.

Your guide and driver will be present to transport you to the airport, beginning your journey back home.